Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
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When someone dies, notifying Aviva is one of the key tasks for the executor or next of kin. This guide explains exactly who to contact, what to say, what documents you will need, and how long Aviva takes to process a bereavement notification.
Aviva bereavement contact details
Phone: 0800 015 1144 — Mon–Fri 8am–6pm(dedicated bereavement line)
Online: Aviva bereavement service
Call 0800 015 1144 or use the online bereavement service. Aviva's team can handle multiple policy types — life insurance, annuities, pensions, home insurance, and car insurance — from a single call.
Aviva will need a certified copy of the death certificate and any policy numbers held. If you do not have the policy numbers, Aviva can search using the deceased's name and date of birth.
If the deceased held a life insurance policy, Aviva will initiate the claims process. You will need to complete a claim form and may need a coroner's report if the cause of death is still under investigation.
Aviva will cancel any home, car, or other insurance policies that are no longer needed. Direct debits for ongoing premiums will be cancelled from the date of death.
Life insurance proceeds are typically paid to the named beneficiary or to the estate. Aviva will confirm the payment recipient and expected timeline. Annuity payments cease on death unless a spouse's pension was included.
Have multiple certified copies of the death certificate ready. Banks and financial institutions each require an original or certified copy — you cannot usually pass a single copy between organisations. See our guide to how many death certificates you need.
Aviva typically takes 3–8 weeks to process a bereavement notification once all required documents have been received.
During this period, accounts or services will typically be frozen until the estate is administered. This means no new transactions can be authorised.
Once Aviva receives your notification and confirms receipt, the account or service will be frozen and no new transactions will be authorised. Estate administration can then begin.
Aviva will confirm receipt of your notification and advise you of any next steps required to close or transfer the account or policy. Keep a record of all correspondence and reference numbers for the estate file.
Do not delay notifying Aviva
Direct debits and standing orders may continue to be charged after death. Some organisations treat the estate as the debtor for any charges incurred before notification. Notifying Aviva promptly protects the estate from unnecessary costs.
Legal & General bereavement: 0800 137 101 (Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm). Make life insurance claims, cancel premiums, reclaim unused payments. What documents L&G needs. Full guide.
Royal London bereavement: 0345 611 1111 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm). Make life insurance and protection claims, cancel premiums, handle pension death benefits. Full guide for executors.
Direct Line bereavement: 0345 246 8701 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–4pm). Cancel home and car insurance, reclaim unused premium, make any claims. What documents you need. Full guide.
AXA bereavement support: 0330 024 1060 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Cancel home, car, or health insurance, reclaim unused premium, make any claims. What documents AXA needs. Full guide.
Aviva pension bereavement: 0800 145 5744 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). Workplace and personal pensions, life insurance. Expression of wishes, trustees' discretion. What documents needed. Full guide.
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